PHOTOS

: Small business owners should have a strong mobile strategy that enables them to run their company from a handheld device. <a href="http://www.readwriteweb.com/biz/2011/04/how-people-use-smartphones-to-purchase-products.php" target="_blank">With nearly 90% of people using their smartphone throughout the day</a>, it is important to connect with them at the point of decision-making and engage with those users in real-time. Follow these four easy-to-follow steps to take your startup to the next level with mobile technology.–<a href="http://hajjflemings.com/" target="_blank">Hajj Flemings</a>

: Be a great storyteller Storytelling is the most important point of your mobile strategy and should be integrated into everything you do. Optimize your site for mobile since large portions of your customers are going to experience your messaging from mobile devices. Also, brand consistency is key so make sure your loyal and potential clients can access your messaging. Lastly, think in sound bites. You want to communicate compelling, concise information when you post content. Have your customers wanting more.

: Utilize location-based apps <a href="https://foursquare.com/about/new?from=hp" target="_blank">Foursquare</a> and other location-based apps can serve as powerful tools for your brand. They are lifestyle apps that digitally connect you with other brands, as well as establish your digital footprint with brick and mortar businesses. When using Foursquare, follow these three important tips: (1) tag brands by including their Twitter handle if you are posting updates to the platform; (2) add photos that digitally and visually connect you to businesses with physical locations, and (3) leave a tip. Be selective about the places that you check into because you are communicating information about your personal and business life. My favorite places to check in are airports and the gym because it conveys that people outside of my local market are interested in my services and that I’m passionate about staying fit.

: Stay productive while on the go Mobile apps can help drive productivity. If you want to remain connected despite your physical location, I recommend these three mobile applications: <a href="http://www.autriv.com/products/sign-my-pad/" target="_blank">Sign My Pad</a> – This app allows you to sign PDF documents when out of the office. For example, if you have to sign a form but don’t have time to go to the office to print the form, fill it out and fax it, you can receive the document via email, open it up in the app, sign it and email it back all from your mobile device. <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/anywhere" target="_blank">Dropbox</a> – This app allows users to access important documents, photos and videos from anywhere for free. It’s great for people who are in sales. <a href="http://hootsuite.com/features/mobile-apps" target="_blank">Hootsuite</a> – Hootsuite is a third-party web and mobile app that enables you to post updates in real-time to any social network. This will come in handy when you are notified of an important tweet about your business and you want to respond instantly. <a href="http://instagr.am/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> – Instagram is a photo-sharing mobile app that allows you to post your images to multiple social networks with the click of a button. When using the application, be sure to geotag your photos with your location, when it makes sense; tag people and brands, and use hashtags, which will enable you to get more views. Brands are now starting to use Instagram photographers as part of their marketing strategy.

: Have a crowdfund/mobile payment strategy It has never been easier to process transactions on the go, and every small business owner should have a strategy to capture mobile payments. If you are a nonprofit and raising money at your annual signature event, you need to capture people at the soiree while they are emotionally experiencing your organization’s work. There are mobile payment offerings such as <a href="https://squareup.com/" target="_blank">Square</a> and <a href="https://www.paypal.com/" target="_blank">PayPal</a>. There are also other tools that enable small businesses to crowdfund ideas such as <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> and <a href="http://gofundme.com/" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a>. How do you execute the mobile strategy for your business? Let us know in the comment section.